Despite losing 2-0 to Doncaster Rovers Leonid Slutsky admits he is “unbelievably proud” of his young Hull City players.

With injuries mounting at the club, the Russian was forced to field a squad made up entirely of under-23s, giving senior debuts to six youth players, while seven made their first competitive appearance for City.

Nevertheless, the young Tigers showed no sign of being overawed by the occasion against a full strength Doncaster side and for parts in the first half, looked the better side.

Goals from Alfie May and Tommy Rowe early in the second half eventually won the game for the hosts knocking Slutsky’s side out of the Carabao Cup but the Russian states he was delighted with what he saw from his team.

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“It was an unbelievable performance because we play youth team against serious team in League One and for 90 per cent it was their first match at a serious level and they were nervous,” Slutsky said. “We created some chances and I think it was their serious first step in their career and now we don’t have another opportunity.

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“Some players train in the first team and I understand their level but some were new from the under-23s. But I was happy with a lot of the team, Mannion had a good game and he has been injured a lot of the time and it was a big test. But I was happy with everyone the team really was big team.

“I think it is the youngest team in Hull history, my first step in Hull history and I think not last. I really I think Fleming may be one of the youngest players to play competitively about City but really we must think about Friday.”